(Bachira POV)
I see only outstanding players on the pitch.
They're performing at an unbelievable level, like monsters dominating the game. I don't even care which one...
Win even if it kills me... Cross it to ****** that's what my voice is telling me!
Back then, becoming one with the ball was all that mattered. Back then, that was the only reason I needed to play soccer!! For me, there is nothing in this world that's more enjoyable than this!
Now I know who I have to choose, so here we go!
PA!!
(Narrator's POV)
Within seconds, the U-20 defenders were able to anticipate Bachira's next move as he dashed forward.
Rather than attempting to dribble and cut into the field, which would slow down their attack, he opted for a different tactic.
With a swift kick, he sent a curving chip towards the box, where Yoichi Isagi was making his way.
Isagi seized the opportunity in the box and instantly connected his foot to the ball to execute his magnificent direct shot.
"PA!"
The sound of the shot echoed through the air as Isagi's effort hit the crossbar, missing the mark by mere centimeters.
The ball bounced back into the box, and Isagi reacted quickly, sprinting towards it with all his might. However, before he could reach it, Darai cleared it away from danger.
Meanwhile, the cleared ball shot high into the sky before falling back down to the middle third, near the center circle. Itoshi Sae was nearby, and he leapt up to battle for possession with Tokimitsu. He won the header and sent the ball back towards Blue Lock's half.
Kento Chou was waiting at the edge of the middle third, where he caught Itoshi Sae's headed ball.
He then delivered a precise cross to Itoshi Rin.
Rin was making a strong run down the flank, but Aryu Jyubei, the Blue Lock left-back, quickly stepped in to intercept him.
Jyubei angled his body and approached to force Rin towards the sidelines, but Rin remained calm and focused on his opponent.
When the defender got within two meters of him, Rin executed a series of quick side steps and a feint, causing Jyubei to fall for it and step to the side.
Rin then took off at top speed towards the U-20's box, using his keen eyesight to scan his surroundings. He spotted Niko making a forward run on the left side of the box and exchanged a one-two pass with Teru Kitsunezato before breaking into the area from the right edge of the box.
At that point, the space had opened up, and only the keeper remained between him and the goal. He extended his leg and proceeded to shoot.
This shot would make him win his bet with Murano, scoring the first hat-trick of the game.
In the next moment, he felt his legs kicking the air.
Turns out, Murano had sprinted all the way from midfield with incredible speed, snatching the ball from Rin without him even seeing it coming—just a blur.
Without missing a beat, Murano continued his dash towards the U-20's half before slowing down at the center circle.
He could've easily dashed past them, but beating opponents and raising his stocks is what he lives for.
Murano effortlessly executed Alexandre de Calvaho's signature nutmeg between Itoshi Sae's legs.
However, just as he was about to accelerate and continue towards the goal, he noticed two more players blocking his path.
Wakatsuki and Darai, two of the opponents who had been marking him closely since the start of the game.
"You're not getting past us again!" Darai taunted as they closed in on Murano.
He spread his arms out, defending against Murano.
But Murano wasn't deterred by their words; all he could think about was how to get around them. With a smile, he stopped and lightly tapped the ball with his right foot.
One of the defenders fell for the feint, but Murano didn't try to break through just yet. Instead, he continued to shift his weight and make quick side steps, trying to find an opening.
The opponents stood no chance against Murano's swift and graceful footwork. They could only stumble and shift their bodies in an attempt to keep up with the rhythm of his stepovers.
Wakatsuki had enough of Murano's flashy moves and lunged forward, attempting to steal the ball. However, this was exactly what Murano had been waiting for.
In one smooth motion, he executed a hesi dash, leaving Darai flailing on the right before spinning past Wakatsuki's tackle.
With a wide smile on his face, Murano passed the ball to Hiori before dashing past Neru Teppei off-ball.
Murano then accelerated forward, prompting Hiori to cross.
The ball sailed over his head, but he didn't give up. He spun around, facing away from the goal, as the ball hung in mid-air, seemingly waiting for him to make a move.
And what a move it was! With amazing athleticism, Murano executed a breathtaking bicycle kick.
For a moment, everything froze as his right foot connected perfectly with the ball, creating a thunderous sound. The entire stadium held its breath as the white and black blur of the ball soared through the air and seamlessly landed in the net.
U-20 Japan Nation Team vs. Blue Lock Eleven
Minute 79'
U-20 Japan 2-5 Blue Lock